First Time in Cozumel
Description:
Cozumel is one of those vacation spots that still doesn't feel overrun by tourism. Although frequented by stopping cruise ships, the island still has its laidback feel, especially outside the city. With breathtaking reefs, jungles, lagoons, and fascinating Mayan history, this beautiful spot is an amazing destination.
Author: JennyMM
Day 1 - Cozumel
When you first get to the island, check into the hotel then set off on a stroll to get a feel for the city. Oil painting on bird feathers is an ancient art that used to be practiced all over Mexico but is now a fading tradition. It can still be seen, however, in a few galleries that feature pieces from local artisans, and one of them, Mayan Feather, is in Cozumel. Stop in to see some incredible examples of this beautiful art. More contemporary pieces can be seen at other galleries like Galeria Azul, where sculptures, paintings, and other works created by local artists are on display. Also check out the city's main church and the Cozumel museum. The museum, Museo de la Isla de Cozumel, has historical information about Mayan culture, the island's previous inhabitants, including pirates, and Cozumel's natural history. Stop in for lunch at the museum's casual cafe, then set out in the late afternoon for a snorkeling and sailing tour with Cozumel Boat Trips. Sailing all the way around Cozumel, you'll get a beautiful sunset view of the entire island while enjoying the incredible views and sea breezes. Back on land, try El Capi Navigante for a late dinner, a quaint nautical-themed restaurant where the ceviche and margaritas are the best on the island. If you still have some energy, hang out under the stars at Rasta's with a cold cerveza or two for a relaxing end to your day.
1
Mayan Feather
Location:
view in google mapsAvenida 5 and Calle 2 Norte
San Miguel
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
+52 987 869 05482
Galeria Azul
Location:
view in google mapsAv 15 Norte #449, between 8 & 10
San Miguel
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
+52 987 2 44933
Iglesia de San Miguel
Location:
view in google mapsAvenida Benito Juarez 180
(San Miguel de Cozumel between Ave 5 &10th)
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
+52 987 872 09724
Museo de la Isla de Cozumel
Location:
view in google mapsAvenida Rafael Melgar at Calle 4
(San Miguel)
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
+52 987 2 14755
Del Museo
Location:
view in google mapsAvenida Rafael E. Melgar (Seafront) between Calles 4 and 6.
San Miguel
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
52 987 872 08386
Cozumel Boat Trips
Location:
view in google mapsSouth Marina
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
(987) 113-27747
El Capi Navegante
Location:
view in google mapsAvenida 10 Sur 312
San Miguel
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
52 987 872 17308
Rasta's Reggae Bar and Grill
Location:
view in google mapsPlaya Bush, at the end of the road
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
9
InterContinental Presidente Cozumel Resort Spa
Location:
view in google mapsCarretera A Chankanaab Km 6-5
77600 Cozumel, MX
Phone:
52 987 872 9500Day 2 - Cozumel
Hop on a boat in the morning to Isla de Pasion, a small barely-inhabited island just off Cozumel's coast that has some of the most beautiful beaches you'll ever see. Walk down the beach a bit away from the bar/buffet/shop areas for a quieter experience, and bring your hiking shoes if you are interested in an inner-island hike to see some more wildlife. Get back to Cozumel for an early lunch at La Choza, a great authentic Mexican place downtown. After, head to the Blue Angel Dive Shop, one of the area's safest yet most exciting operations. Experienced and knowledgeable, their guides are perfect for your first introduction to Cozumel's reefs. Take a lesson if you are a beginner, or just set out for a dive, most likely at one of the less-difficult dive sites such as San Francisco, Paraiso, or Palancar reef. The reefs all along the south-western coast of the island are worth diving, filled with amazing sealife. Featuring one of the world's largest coral reef chains, there are over 500 species of tropical fish to see and appreciate. For a relaxing dinner after such an exciting day, sit back in plush comfort at Pepe's Grill, famous for their fabulous steaks.
1
Isla de Pasion
Location:
view in google mapsAbrigo Bay
1 mile north of Punta Norte
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
+52 987 872 09722
La Choza
Location:
view in google mapsAvenida 10 corner with Calle Salas.
San Miguel
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
52 987 872 09583
Blue Angel Dive Shop
Location:
view in google mapsHotel Villablanca, Zona Hotelera Sur
Costera Sur Highway, Km 3
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
+52 987 2 16314
San Francisco Reef
Location:
view in google mapsParque Marino de Cozumel
(Playa San Francisco)
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
+52 987 872 09725
Paraiso Reef
Location:
view in google mapsParque Marino de Cozumel
(South of Villa Blanca Wall)
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
6
Palancar Shallows and Gardens
Location:
view in google mapsParque Marino de Cozumel
(Costera Sur Highway)
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
+52 987 872 09727
Pepe's Grill
Location:
view in google mapsAve Rafael E. Melgar at Rosado Salas
(San Miguel)
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
52 987 872 0213Day 3 - Cozumel
Hop in the water in the morning at Playa Corona, the best place in Cozumel to snorkel right off the beach. Rent some snorkel equipment at the rental cabana here, and dive in! There's a yummy little cafe right on the sand to grab a taco and a beer for lunch, too. In the afternoon, head to Fly High Adventures to explore this ecopark in the air. Recently built just south of town, this is an exhilarating way to get a great aerial view of the jungle and ocean. If this is the first time you've tried zip-lining, this is a great place to start, as the guides are all very capable and well trained. A small snack bar has drinks in case you get thirsty. Make the most of the sunsets with an evening margarita on the patio at La Veranda before dinner here. A place where the fusion fare is innovative and interesting, you also can't go wrong with a classic like jerk chicken.
1
Playa Corona
Location:
view in google mapsZona Hotelera Sur
Costera Sur Highway Km 8.5
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
+52 987 872 09722
Fly High Adventures
Location:
Cozumel, MexicoPhone:
987 857 29753
La Veranda
Location:
view in google mapsCalle 4 Norte 140
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
52 987 872 4132Day 4 - Cozumel
To catch a glimpse of some more of Cozumel's unique flora and fauna, rent a couple of scooters for a ride down to the southern end of the island to climb the lighthouse and various observation towers around the Parque Punta Sur preserve. The beach on the eastern side of the island is calm if you feel like a dip, and you can also head out onto the lagoon inside the park on a pontoon mini-cruise if you choose. Scooter back north to El Moro for a late lunch, and ignore the strange decor in favor of enjoying the atmosphere and fabulous family fare. Try some more diving in the afternoon, this time with Caribbean Divers, an incredibly friendly and reliable shop. There are some fascinating underwater sites to explore around Cozumel, including ship and plane wrecks, and more reefs, of course. Crack open a lobster after for dinner at Lobster House, simple but scrumptious.
1
Parque Punta Sur
Location:
view in google mapsCostera Sur Highway Km 27
(beginning of Costera Este Highway)
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
+1 987 872 29402
El Moro
Location:
view in google mapsCalle 75 Norte #124
between Avenidas 2 and 4
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
52 987 872 30293
Caribbean Divers
Location:
view in google mapsCalle 3 Sur between Melgar & Ave 5 Sur
San Miguel
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
+52 987 2 1080 / +52 987 2 11454
Tormentos Reef
Location:
view in google mapsParque Marino de Cozumel
South of Chankanaab Reef
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
5
Felipe Xicotencatl Shipwreck
Location:
view in google mapsParque Marino de Cozumel
Costera Sur Highway
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
6
Plane Wreck
Location:
view in google mapsParque Marino de Cozumel
Costera Sur Highway, Km 4.5
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
7
Lobster House
Location:
view in google mapsCostera Norte Highway
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
52 987 872 0795Day 6 - Cozumel
Parque Chankanaab is a place where you can easily spend a day (or more) and never get bored. There is great snorkeling right off the coast here, a huge lagoon, diving, swimming with dolphins, a pool, and paths for hiking through the park to explore the jungle. The food at the cafe is great, especially the ceviche. Take a cab back up to the hotel in the late afternoon, and head to El Foco in the evening to relax outside and watch the sunset. The tacos here are delicious, and it's the perfect spot to chill on the beach with a couple of beers.
1
Parque Chankanaab
Location:
view in google mapsCostera Sur Highway, Km 9
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
+52 987 872 29402
El Foco
Location:
view in google mapsAvenida 5 Sur 13-B
(San Miguel)
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
+52 987 872 5980Day 7 - Cozumel
Stop by Casa Denis, family-owned and authentically delicious, to load up on some juevos for breakfast, then take one last trip to the beach with a visit to Playa de San Martin. Quiet and pristine, get your last taste of Cozumel sun and sand before heading out.
1
Casa Denis
Location:
view in google mapsCalle 1 Sur #132 between Ave 5a & 10a
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
Phone:
52 987 872 00672
Playa de San Martin
Location:
view in google maps1.5km north of Playa Chen Rio
(Eastern Coast)
77600 Cozumel, Mexico
